As we turn the page on another year, it’s time to take a look back at all that was, and prepare for what lies ahead. For the economy at large, 2017 was a stellar year and we think there is more to look forward to in 2018.

We’re beginning to feel a bit like a broken record when we say that the year has been better than we expected, and we expect the next year to be good as well. Unfortunately, since 2009, many investors have remained on the sidelines and have missed the opportunities that the economy presented since the recession. The good news is that we think there’s still room to run in this expansion—even those shy investors have time left to participate.

This time last year, we expected that U.S. stock indices could easily provide returns in excess of 10 percent, and boy were we right!. As of Dec. 29, the Dow sits up about 25 percent, the S&P is up 18 percent, and the NASDAQ is up a whopping 29 percent for the year, while bond indices have returned in the neighborhood of 2 percent (barely pacing inflation).

Clearly, equity (stock) investors have been rewarded in 2017, as they have been ever since March of 2009. Loosening regulations, lowering corporate taxes and increased consumer activity have all been among the factors that contributed to an environment which is producing record corporate profits and ultimately the beneficiaries have been stock investors.

With the arrival of the New Year, many of us will pause and ponder the age-old question: “Who knows where the time goes?” And, as is always the case, none of us really do know. However, wherever the time goes, it will usually be a key factor in your success as an investor.

Time can affect how you invest, and the results of your investing, in different ways:

• Growth potential. Contrary to myth, there’s no real way to “get rich quick” when investing. To build wealth, you need patience – and time. If you own quality investments with growth potential, and you give them years—in fact, decades—to increase in value, your perseverance may be rewarded.

Of course, there are no guarantees, and you’ll need the discipline to withstand the inevitable downturns along the way. But in describing how long he likes to keep his investments, renowned investor Warren Buffet says his favorite holding period is “forever.”

Stephen Ferraro, partner with Ferraro, Amodio and Zarecki CPAs, Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Ferraro, Amodio and Zarecki CPAs By Stephen Ferraro Business owners who are considering how and when they will cash in the shares of their privately-held stock are...

John Crawford of JP Crawford Associates in Queensbury describes himself as a coach, rather than a consultant, in that he educates and works alongside business owners and managers. Courtesy JP Crawford Associates By Susan E. Campbell What determines whether a...

By R.J. DeLuke Businesses taking a look at tax issues in 2014 should keep an eye on what is ostensibly a health care issue, local consultants say. The Affordable Health Care Act, commonly known as Obama Care, is something that...

Jonathan "Pete" Steffan, managing partner, Grove Associates, Glens Falls By Jonathan "Pete" Steffan, SPHR Many small businesses are one or two-person creations; an idea, a dream, a concept. If the business stays very small, it can work. Two people can...

Technology allows Paul Curtis, a partner in CMJ LLP in Glens Falls, to work with clients across the country after they have transitioned out of their businesses locally.By Peter Miller Everyone has felt economic conditions getting tighter in recent years....

Official Guide to the Greater Glens Falls RegionFull-Service Internet Marketing: Search Engine Optimization, Website Design and Development by Mannix Marketing, Inc.
Mannix Marketing, Inc. is headquartered in Glens Falls, New York